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TL;DR Google says Android is getting a “high-friction” sideloading flow.
The company insists it’s about user awareness, not blocking installs.
The big question is whether this added friction will stay educational or quietly make sideloading on Android harder.
Google has responded to our recent report on new Google Play strings hinting at changes to how Android will handle sideloaded apps in the future. The company has now confirmed that a “high-friction” install process is on the way.
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Replying to our story on X, Matthew Forsyth, Director of Product Management, Google Play Developer Experience & Chief Product Explainer, said the system isn’t a sideloading restriction, but an “Accountability Layer.” Advanced users will still be able to choose “Install without verifying,” though Google says that path will involve extra steps meant to ensure users understand the risks of installing apps from unverified developers.
Matthew Forsythe/X
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